Handloading?

E.Williams · June 2002

This may seem like a stupid question.But I dont know anyone who handloads.Can you really save that much money doing it?I go to the range about once a month twice if I can afford it but each time it costs me around $100.00 - $150.00.If handloading will save me money I am getting on board.I will be re-loading .38/.357.Is it worth the investment for all the equipment and what is needed?How many bullets can you reload from one can of powder?How many grains of powder is in your typical .38/.357?Thank you for the help this is a great post!

Eric S. Williams

Tailgunner1954 · June 2002

Can you save money, Yes. Will you save money, Probably not.
What happens is that you end up shooting more for the same money.
Reloading is a hobby just like shooting, and has it's own rewards.
38 SPL plinkers, 158gr lead bullets, figgure 3-4gr of Bullseye powder ea. (1750-2333 rounds per pound)
357Mag full power, 158gr jacketed bullets, figgure 14-15gr of 2400 powder ea. (466-500 rounds per pound)
Cast bullets cost less than jacketed and for what your shooting, are what I'd recogmend
Primers run 1-2 cents each.

Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.

Nighthawk · June 2002

You can cut your cost up to 1/3 by reloading.But you must take the time to study reloading to come familiar with it, and especially the safety issues dealing with powder. And also make sure you dont over or under charge a load. However it is easy to pick up on any one can do it. You might want to buy a book such as lymans or another companys book and study it before you purchase your equipment. Go to www.midwayusa and pick out yur book,also I have found them to be one of the best stores for reloading equipment,and they have a friendly staff who is dedicated to serving their customers.Also I have found reloading to be fun and stress relieving.

Good Luck.

Rugster

woodsrunner · June 2002

You can save big time if you reload one of the less popular calibers. Like Saxon I figure $4.00-$6.00 a box for 38/357 loads. Around $6.00 for .45acp's with jacketed bullets. Where I save really big money is with my 32/40 rifle. When you can find it factory ammo runs $30.00-$40.00 a box of 20. My cost reloaded with purchased bullets around $5.00 a box. Half that if I dig out my lead pot and cast the bullets myself.

Woods

How big a boy are ya?

joeaf1911a1 · June 2002

E. Williams: Hope you have been saving your brass. Its time for
reloading from the expense you quote. From the amount of shooting
you do, would suggest a Dillon Square Deal press or the some progressive press if you are only doing .38/.375. I would not suggest
ccasting and sizing/lubing slugs at least yet as hard cast are not
that expensive except for shipping. Put up a notice at the range and
look at some prices for slugs for local pickup to save shipping.
Surely someone at your range MUST reload. If not, get to a local
pistol match and inquire. Most reloaders will be glad to help you
get started. One thing, "velocity does not mean accuracy".
Get a reloadng manual, such as Lyman, read it and then decide.
For loads per Lb. powder: divide the grain load, into 7000.
7000 grs. equal l lb. In many pistol powders, the powder is the
cheapest part. And stick to the book at least when starting out.

Shootist3006 · June 2002

Depending on what you are paying and how you buy components, you can save between 50 and 75% on .38/.357's

Lead 158 gr .38 bullets cost about $28 to $30 per 1000 (gun show prices, if you buy in bulk, >10,000, you can do even better)

Powder ranges from $12 to $20 a pound. I buy Bullseye for $12.30/lb

Primers cost about $15 per 1000

Brass - if you have been saving what you have already shot - is free. New .38 brass is about $.08 ea and can be reloaded over 50 times for a cost per loading of $.0016.

Now, lets add it all up:
Bullet = 3 cents Powder = 0.16 cents Primers = 1.5 cents Brass = 0.16 centsTOTAL = $0.0428 per round or $2.14/box
If you are paying $8.00 per box of lead .38's, you will save 75%!!!!

Even better is that you can tailor your loads to your guns, make your own custom ammo and increase accuracy. At the lower costs, you will be able to shoot MORE and become a better shooter!!!

Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis

E.Williams · June 2002

I am getting the equipment a.s.a.p I pay $9.99 for 50 .38spl and $11.99 for 50 .357.I appreciate all of your help.With my savings I might have to invest in a new gun.If I can save like that I might as well make it a 10mm the only reason I wouldnt get one before was price of ammo.Thanks

Eric S. Williams

daddo · June 2002

There are a few MUST haves for reloadind and doing it safley- they are as follows;
1. Calipers- improperly seated bullets will cause pressure problems.
2. Very accurate scale.
3. Inspect all cases for cracks/splits/pits.
4. Case trimmer
5. A good reloading data book, such as the Lyman 47th edition.
6. Start with reduced loads (10%) then work up.
Read,Read, and Read some more on reloading-any questions- look it up- don't guess!!!

jds56 · June 2002

Eric, only get into reloading if you don't count your time as money. Yes, you can save a lot on component costs but if you would rather watch Oprah than fiddle with a powder scale and read reloading manuals and have $200-400 (at least) tied up in all the BS it takes than forget it. The only true justification, I can see, in reloading for a pistol is its entertainment value. If you don't have the patience of Job don't get started; once you do your hooked. There will always be a new tool-device-gagdet that you've got to have to make things easier-faster-more accurate. But, there are worse ways to spend your time and money.

robsguns · June 2002

If you smoke by chance, all you have to do is quit smoking for about 3 months and you'll have enough money for all the reloading gear you need, then you'll also be a non smoker if you arent already, and you'll have enough money at the end of each year to buy a new gun.

SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

kimberkid · June 2002

E.Williams,
As pointed out by several, espically jds56, reloading REQUIRES PATIENCE many of the used reloading presses that you see at gunshows, garage sales and at auction are for sale because the seller didn't have the time or patience re-load and just jumped in for the savings ... thats not a bad thing but as Saxon pointed out you probably, really wont save anything because quote:when you start reloading you tend to shoot more. And thats a fact of life!

=================================
The only bad thing about choosing a Kimber ...
... there are so darn many models to choose from!
kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com

mballai · June 2002

I've always thought about the time issue for reloading and have come to the conclusion that you are still better off reloading. There's usually a period where you aren't going to the range and a few evenings and weekends at the bench reloading can yield a big pile of ammo.

Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

Handloading?

Comments